aeroplan question

[princessap]

I am planning to book our flights using aeroplan points and I keep checking for flights and the only ones available for our dates are ones with two or more stops....we are looking at september 2014, will more be released???? I am nervous if I don't book them soon I won't get direct flights

 

[papertraveller]

Nope, sorry. Now you know the challenges of booking Air Canada flights with Aeroplan points.

The points are released 356 days in advance, and the savvy bookers are on them right away. There are a limited number of seats at various points levels, and they go quickly.

Truthfully, this is why many people choose to use Aeroplan for purchases other than flights -- and many of us have chosen to go with other points plans that offer more flexibility.

 

[princessap]

I have been looking since it was possible to book them and there was never any to begin with.

 

[aristocat65]

Agree with Papertraveller. I no longer collect Aeroplan points for that reason. Availability is poor. I have also read on other forums (flyertalk, etc) that their website does not always show all available flights. If you ask for help on Flyertalks's Air Canada forum, they may have some helpful advice. Personally I decided that for me Aeroplan was not worth it.
Do you have any flexibility with your dates? Midweek may have some better flights.

 

[Gigi22]

Supposedly the Aeroplan flight rewards will become more flexible as of Jan. 1, 2014 due to program changes. Of course it is impossible to know if this is just hype, or if there is any truth to the claim.

You might try checking how many Aeroplan points you would have to use to top up purchasing tickets in cash in cash. I was able to top up cash ticket purchases to our advantage using points. Doing this requires a lot of price checking online. And, no, you still will not be able to access many (direct) AC flights. You may want to check using Star Alliance partners too.

 

[princessap]

Supposedly the Aeroplan flight rewards will become more flexible as of Jan. 1, 2014 due to program changes. Of course it is impossible to know if this is just hype, or if there is any truth to the claim.

You might try checking how many Aeroplan points you would have to use to top up purchasing tickets in cash in cash. I was able to top up cash ticket purchases to our advantage using points. Doing this requires a lot of price checking online. And, no, you still will not be able to access many (direct) AC flights. You may want to check using Star Alliance partners too.

I called this morning and the girl I spoke with was great, she said they haven't released the flights for sundays yet that far ahead, I could book my return on a monday but not there on the sunday yet...she said to keep checking, hoping she is right!

 

[TwilightGoddess]

I used mine earlier this year, and I noticed that they change quickly. But as soon as you have it don't hesitate to book! I called to see if they had different flight access, they didn't. Just he same as online. I was lucky that I got direct flights, but still feel a bit jaded having to pay taxes and that it doesn't include my luggage

 

[princessap]

I used mine earlier this year, and I noticed that they change quickly. But as soon as you have it don't hesitate to book! I called to see if they had different flight access, they didn't. Just he same as online. I was lucky that I got direct flights, but still feel a bit jaded having to pay taxes and that it doesn't include my luggage

How far in advance did you book? I know our dates know and just want to book!

 

[princessap]

I check every morning and today flights were released but none direct. Do they normally release these first and then do direct ones?

Will feel so much better when flights are booked!